ASA blasts telecoms companies over ads

Five telecoms companies were rapped in this month’s Advertising Standards Authority report for making inaccurate or misleading claims.

The report, which was delayed by a week after Direct Line Financial Services was granted an injunction to stop publication over a contested adjudication (MW August 14), also contains criticism of blue-chip car manufacturers Audi and Volvo for using references to excessive speed in their advertisements.

BT objected to a direct mailing and a local press ad from Bell Cablemedia, which claimed cable lines are clearer, while a member of the public complained about a press ad for a Nokia mobile phone from Dial-A-Phone, which stated an extra cost in a small footnote.

Both complaints were upheld by the ASA, which also rapped First Telecom for not including VAT in its prices in a regional press ad, and One2One, which claimed in a poster by Bartle Bogle Hegarty that its coverage was “now 80 per cent” without specifying this was population, not geographical, coverage.

A complaint about a press ad for Peoples Phone through Banks Hoggins O’Shea, which offered a free hands-free phone so motorists can “talk and drive in complete safety”, was also upheld.

NOT REGISTERED? IT'S FREE, QUICK AND EASY!

Already a member?

Sign in

Register and receive the best content from the only UK title 100% dedicated to serving marketers' needs.

We’ll ask you just a few questions about what you do and where you work. The more we know about our visitors, the better and more relevant content we can provide for them. And, yes, knowing our audience better helps us find commercial partners too. Don't worry, we won't share your information with other parties, unless you give us permission to do so.

THE BEST CONTENT

Our award winning editorial team (PPA Digital Brand of the Year) ask the big questions about the biggest issues on everything from strategy through to execution to help you navigate the fast moving modern marketing landscape.

THE BIGGEST ISSUES

From the opportunities and challenges of emerging technology to the need for greater effectiveness, from the challenge of measurement to building a marketing team fit for the future, we are your guide.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Information, inspiration and advice from the marketing world and beyond that will help you develop as a marketer and as a leader.

Type anything and hit “enter”

Sign in

Not registered yet?

Register and receive the best content from the only UK title 100% dedicated to serving marketers' needs.

We’ll ask you just a few questions about what you do and where you work. The more we know about our visitors, the better and more relevant content we can provide for them. And, yes, knowing our audience better helps us find commercial partners too. Don't worry, we won't share your information with other parties, unless you give us permission to do so.